Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit

ABSTRACT

A particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit includes a first particle disc configured to meter particles and a second particle disc configured to receive the particles from the first particle disc and to transfer the particles toward a trench in soil. The particle delivery system includes a vacuum source configured to reduce air pressure within a first vacuum passage to couple the particles to one or more first apertures of the first particle disc. The vacuum source is also configured to reduce air pressure within a second vacuum passage to couple the particles to one or more second apertures of the second particle disc. A rotation rate of the first particle disc is controllable to establish a particle spacing between the particles within the trench. A rotation rate of the second particle disc is controllable to expel the particles at a particle exit speed.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a particle delivery systemof an agricultural row unit.

Generally, planting implements (e.g., planters) are towed behind atractor or other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigidframe of the implement. Planting implements typically include multiplerow units distributed across a width of the implement. Each row unit isconfigured to deposit seeds at a desired depth beneath the soil surfaceof a field, thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. For example,each row unit typically includes a ground engaging tool or opener thatforms a seeding path (e.g., trench) for seed deposition into the soil.An agricultural product delivery system (e.g., including a meteringsystem and a seed tube) is configured to deposit seeds and/or otheragricultural products (e.g., fertilizer) into the trench. Theopener/agricultural product delivery system is followed by closing discsthat move displaced soil back into the trench and/or a packer wheel thatpacks the soil on top of the deposited seeds/other agriculturalproducts.

Certain row units, or planting implements generally, include a seedstorage area configured to store the seeds. The agricultural productdelivery system is configured to transfer the seeds from the seedstorage area into the trench. For example, the agricultural productdelivery system may include a metering system that meters the seeds fromthe seed storage area into a seed tube for subsequent delivery to thetrench. Certain types of seeds may benefit from a particular spacingalong the trench. Additionally, the planting implement having the rowunits may travel at varying speeds based on the type of seed beingdeposited into the soil, the type and structure of the soil within thefield, and other factors. Typically, the row units output the seeds tothe trench at the speed that the implement is traveling through thefield, which may affect the spacing between the seeds and may cause theseeds to be deposited at locations along the trench other than targetlocations (e.g., outside the target locations).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the disclosed subjectmatter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limitthe scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intendedonly to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments.Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that maybe similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In certain embodiments, a particle delivery system of an agriculturalrow unit includes a first particle disc configured to meter a pluralityof particles from a particle storage area and a second particle discconfigured to receive each particle of the plurality of particles fromthe first particle disc and to transfer the particle toward a trench insoil. The first particle disc includes one or more first apertures, andthe second particle disc includes one or more second apertures. Theparticle delivery system includes a vacuum source in fluid communicationwith a first vacuum passage positioned adjacent to the first particledisc and with a second vacuum passage positioned adjacent to the secondparticle disc. The vacuum source is configured to reduce air pressurewithin the first vacuum passage to couple a particle of the plurality ofparticles to a first respective aperture of the one or more firstapertures while the first respective aperture is aligned with the firstvacuum passage. The vacuum source is also configured to reduce airpressure within the second vacuum passage to couple the particle to asecond respective aperture of the one or more second apertures while thesecond respective aperture is aligned within the second vacuum passage.A rotation rate of the first particle disc is controllable to establisha particle spacing between the plurality of particles within the trench,and a rotation rate of the second particle disc is controllable to expeleach particle of the plurality of particles at a particle exit speed.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an agriculturalimplement having multiple row units distributed across a width of theagricultural implement, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a row unit that may beemployed on the agricultural implement of FIG. 1 , in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a particle delivery systemthat may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 , in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for controlling aparticle delivery system, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for controlling aparticle delivery system, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a particle deliverysystem that may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a further embodiment of a process forcontrolling a particle delivery system, in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a particle delivery systemthat may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 , in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for controlling aparticle delivery system, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for controllinga particle delivery system, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Anyexamples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are notexclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a particledelivery system for a row unit of an agricultural implement. Certainagricultural implements include row units configured to deliverparticles (e.g., seeds) to trenches in soil. For example, a particledistribution system may transport the particles from a storage tank ofthe agricultural implement to the row units (e.g., to a hopper assemblyof each row unit or directly to a particle delivery system of each rowunit), and/or the particles may be delivered from a hopper assembly ofeach row unit to a respective particle delivery system. Each particledelivery system may output the particles to a respective trench as theagricultural implement travels over the soil. Certain agriculturalimplements are configured to travel at particular speeds (e.g., betweenfour kilometers per hour (kph) and thirty kph) while delivering theparticles to the trenches. Additionally, a particular spacing betweenthe particles when disposed within the soil may enhance plantdevelopment and/or yield.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, at least one row unit of theagricultural implement includes a particle delivery system configured todeliver the particles to the respective trench in the soil at aparticular spacing while reducing the relative ground speed of theparticles (e.g., the speed of the particles relative to the ground). Theparticle delivery system includes a first particle disc configured tometer individual particles, thereby establishing the particular spacingbetween particles. The first particle disc is configured to release eachparticle at a release point of the first particle disc, thereby enablingthe particle to move to an engagement point of a second particle disc.The second particle disc is configured to receive each particle at theengagement point. The second particle disc is also configured totransport each particle from the engagement point to a release point ofthe second particle disc. The second particle disc is configured toaccelerate each particle, thereby increasing the speed of the particleat the release point, as compared to the engagement point. For example,the second particle disc may accelerate the particles to a speed greaterthan a speed resulting from gravitational acceleration alone.Additionally, the second particle disc may accelerate the particles suchthat the particle delivery system reduces the relative ground speed ofthe particles. As such, the second particle disc may enable the row unitto travel faster than traditional row units that utilize seed tubes,which rely on gravity to accelerate the particles (e.g., seeds) fordelivery to soil.

In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system may include an airflow system configured to secure the particles to the first particledisc and/or to the second particle disc, to remove the particles fromthe first particle disc, to accelerate the particles downwardly from thefirst particle disc toward the second particle disc, or a combinationthereof. For example, the air flow system may include a vacuum sourceconfigured to reduce the air pressure within a vacuum passage positionedalong a portion of the first particle disc, thereby securing theparticles to the first particle disc. In certain embodiments, the vacuumsource may also be configured to reduce the air pressure within a vacuumpassage positioned along a portion of the second particle disc, therebysecuring the particles to the second particle disc. Additionally, theair flow system may provide an air flow configured to remove theparticles from the first particle disc at the release point.

In some embodiments, the particle delivery system may include a particletransfer assembly configured to facilitate transferring the particlesfrom the first particle disc to the second particle disc. For example,the particle transfer assembly may include a guide wheel disposedbetween the first particle disc and the second particle disc andconfigured to rotate to guide the particles from the first particle disctoward the second particle disc. In certain embodiments, the particletransfer assembly may include a particle tube extending from the releasepoint of the first particle disc to the engagement point of the secondparticle disc and configured to guide the particles from the firstparticle disc to the second particle disc. In some embodiments, theparticle transfer assembly may be configured to accelerate the particlesflowing from the first particle disc toward the second particle disc.

With the foregoing in mind, the present embodiments relating to particledelivery systems may be utilized within any suitable agriculturalimplement. For example, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment ofan agricultural implement 10 having multiple row units 12 distributedacross a width of the agricultural implement 10. The implement 10 isconfigured to be towed through a field behind a work vehicle, such as atractor. As illustrated, the implement 10 includes a tongue assembly 14,which includes a hitch configured to couple the implement 10 to anappropriate tractor hitch (e.g., via a ball, clevis, or other coupling).The tongue assembly 14 is coupled to a tool bar 16 which supportsmultiple row units 12. Each row unit 12 may include one or more openerdiscs configured to form a particle path (e.g., trench) within soil of afield. The row unit 12 may also include a particle delivery system(e.g., particle discs) configured to deposit particles (e.g., seeds,fertilizer, and/or other agricultural product(s)) into the particlepath/trench. In addition, the row unit 12 may include closing disc(s)and/or a packer wheel positioned behind the particle delivery system.The closing disc(s) are configured to move displaced soil back into theparticle path/trench, and the packer wheel is configured to pack soil ontop of the deposited particles.

During operation, the agricultural implement 10 may travel at aparticular speed along the soil surface while depositing the particlesto the trenches. For example, a speed of the agricultural implement maybe selected and/or controlled based on soil conditions, a type of theparticles delivered by the agricultural implement 10 to the soil,weather conditions, a size/type of the agricultural implement, or acombination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, a particular spacingbetween the particles when disposed within the soil may enhance plantdevelopment and/or yield. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, at leastone row unit 12 may include a particle delivery system configured todeposit the particles at the particular spacing while reducing theground speed of the particles (e.g., as compared to a row unit thatemploys a particle tube to delivery particles to the soil). As discussedin detail below, the particle delivery system may include a firstparticle disc configured to meter individual particles to a secondparticle disc to establish the spacing between the particles.Additionally, the second particle disc may receive the particles andmove and accelerate the particles toward the trench in the soil. Thesecond particle disc may accelerate the particles to a speed greaterthan a speed resulting from gravitational acceleration alone (e.g., aspeed resulting from the particle falling directly from the first discto the ground with the second disc omitted) and may reduce the relativeground speed of the particles (e.g., the speed of the particles relativeto the ground). In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system mayinclude additional particle disc(s) (e.g., a third particle disc) and/ora particle belt configured to progressively accelerate the particles. Assuch, the particle delivery system may enable the row unit 12 to travelfaster than traditional row units that utilize seed tubes, which rely ongravity to accelerate the particles (e.g., seeds) for delivery to thesoil. As a result, the agricultural implement 10 may travel fasterthrough the field and more accurately place each particle within thesoil of the field.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a row unit 12 (e.g.,agricultural row unit) that may be employed on the agriculturalimplement of FIG. 1 . The row unit 12 includes a mount 18 configured tosecure the row unit 12 to the tool bar of the agricultural implement. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the mount 18 includes a U-bolt that securesa bracket 20 of the row unit 12 to the tool bar. However, in alternativeembodiments, the mount may include another suitable device that couplesthe row unit to the tool bar. A linkage assembly 22 extends from thebracket 20 to a frame 24 of the row unit 12. The linkage assembly 22 isconfigured to enable vertical movement of the frame 24 relative to thetool bar in response to variations in a soil surface 26. In certainembodiments, a down pressure system (e.g., including a hydraulicactuator, a pneumatic actuator, etc.) may be coupled to the linkageassembly 22 and configured to urge the frame 24 toward the soil surface26. While the illustrated linkage assembly 22 is a parallel linkageassembly (e.g., a four-bar linkage assembly), in alternativeembodiments, another suitable linkage assembly may extend between thebracket and the frame.

The row unit 12 includes an opener assembly 30 that forms a trench 31 inthe soil surface 26 for particle deposition into the soil. In theillustrated embodiment, the opener assembly 30 includes gauge wheels 32,arms 34 that pivotally couple the gauge wheels 32 to the frame 24, andopener discs 36. The opener discs 36 are configured to excavate thetrench 31 into the soil, and the gauge wheels 32 are configured tocontrol a penetration depth of the opener discs 36 into the soil. In theillustrated embodiment, the row unit 12 includes a depth control system38 configured to control the vertical position of the gauge wheels 32(e.g., by blocking rotation of the arms in the upward direction beyond aselected orientation), thereby controlling the penetration depth of theopener discs 36 into the soil.

The row unit 12 includes a particle delivery system 40 configured todeposit particles (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, and/or other agriculturalproduct(s)) into the trench 31 as the row unit 12 traverses the fieldalong a direction of travel 42. As illustrated, the particle deliverysystem 40 includes a particle metering and singulation unit 44configured to receive the particles (e.g., seeds) from a hopper assembly46 (e.g., a particle storage area). In certain embodiments, a hopper ofthe hopper assembly may be integrally formed with a housing of theparticle metering and singulation unit. The hopper assembly 46 isconfigured to store the particles for subsequent metering by theparticle metering and singulation unit 44. As will be described ingreater detail below, in some embodiments, the particle metering andsingulation unit 44 includes a particle disc configured to rotate totransfer the particles from the hopper assembly 46 toward a secondparticle disc of the particle delivery system 40. The second particledisc of the particle delivery system 40 may generally be disposedbetween the particle metering and singulation unit 44 and the trench 31and may transfer the particles received from the particle metering andsingulation unit 44 to the trench 31. In some embodiments, the particledelivery system may include a particle belt disposed generally betweenthe second particle disc and the trench. For example, the particle beltmay receive the particles from the second particle disc and deliver theparticles to the trench.

The opener assembly 30 and the particle delivery system 40 are followedby a closing assembly 48 that moves displaced soil back into the trench31. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing assembly 48 includes twoclosing discs 50. However, in alternative embodiments, the closingassembly may include other closing devices (e.g., a single closing disc,etc.). In addition, in certain embodiments, the closing assembly may beomitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing assembly 48 isfollowed by a packing assembly 52 configured to pack soil on top of thedeposited particles. The packing assembly 52 includes a packer wheel 54,an arm 56 that pivotally couples the packer wheel 54 to the frame 24,and a biasing member 58 configured to urge the packer wheel 54 towardthe soil surface 26, thereby causing the packer wheel to pack soil ontop of the deposited particles (e.g., seeds and/or other agriculturalproduct(s)). While the illustrated biasing member 58 includes a spring,in alternative embodiments, the biasing member may include anothersuitable biasing device, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumaticcylinder, among others. For purposes of discussion, reference may bemade to a longitudinal axis or direction 60, a vertical axis ordirection 62, and a lateral axis or direction 64. For example, thedirection of travel 42 of the row unit 12 may be generally along thelongitudinal axis 60.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a particle delivery system 40that may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 . As described above,the particle delivery system 40 is configured to meter and accelerateparticles 80 (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, other particulate material, or acombination thereof) toward the trench 31 for deposition into the trench31. In the illustrated embodiment, the particle delivery system 40includes a first particle disc 82 (e.g., of the particle metering andsingulation unit 44) configured to meter the particles 80 and a secondparticle disc 84 configured to accelerate and the move the particles 80toward the trench 31 for deposition into the trench 31.

The first particle disc 82 has apertures 90 configured to receive theparticles 80 from a particle hopper 92 of the particle delivery system40. For example, each aperture 90 may receive a single particle 80. Theparticle hopper 92 is a particle storage area configured to store theparticles 80 for subsequent metering and distribution. In certainembodiments, the particle hopper 92 may be coupled to and/or included aspart of a housing of the particle metering and singulation unit 44.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hopper assembly may provide theparticles 80 to the particle hopper 92, and/or the hopper assembly(e.g., the hopper of the hopper assembly) may be coupled to the particlehopper 92. The first particle disc 82 is configured to rotate, asindicated by arrow 94, to move the particles 80 from the particle hopper92 to a release point 96, where the particles 80 are released downwardlytoward the second particle disc 84.

As illustrated, the particle delivery system 40 includes an air flowsystem 100 having an air flow device 102 (e.g., a vacuum source), afirst air tube 104 fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102, a secondair tube 106 fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102, and a third airtube 108 fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102. The air flow system100 is configured to reduce the air pressure within a first vacuumpassage 110 positioned along a portion of the first particle disc 82,thereby drawing the particles 80 from the particle hopper 92 toward andagainst the apertures 90. As illustrated, the first air tube 104 isfluidly coupled to the air flow device 102 and to the first vacuumpassage 110. The air flow device 102 is configured to draw air throughthe apertures 90 while the apertures 90 are aligned with the firstvacuum passage 110. As the first particle disc 82 rotates, the vacuumformed at the apertures 90 secures the particles 80 to the firstparticle disc 82 at the apertures 90, such that the first particle disc82 moves each particle 80 from the particle hopper 92 to the releasepoint 96. At the release point 96, the air flow system 100 provides, viathe second air tube 106, an air flow 112 configured to remove eachparticle 80 from the respective aperture 90 (e.g., by overcoming thevacuum formed at the apertures 90). In certain embodiments, the air flow112 may be omitted, and the particles 80 may be released from theapertures 90 due to the first vacuum passage 110 ending. For example, atthe release point 96, the first vacuum passage 110 may end (e.g., theair flow device 102 may no longer draw air through the apertures 90 ofthe first particle disc 82 at the release point 96), and the particles80 may no longer be secured in the apertures 90. The particles 80 arereleased from the first particle disc 82 along a release trajectory 114.Rotation of the first particle disc 82 imparts a velocity on theparticles along the release trajectory 114, and the particles 80accelerate downwardly along the release trajectory 114 under theinfluence of gravity. In some embodiments, an angle between the releasetrajectory 114 and the vertical axis 62 may be zero degrees, one degree,two degrees, five degrees, ten degrees, twenty degrees, or othersuitable angles. As used herein, “vacuum” refers to an air pressure thatis less than the ambient atmospheric air pressure, and not necessarily 0pa.

The particle delivery system 40 includes a first disc housing 120 and asecond disc housing 122. The first particle disc 82 is disposed withinand configured to rotate within the first disc housing 120. The secondparticle disc 84 is disposed and configured to rotate within the seconddisc housing 122. The first vacuum passage 110 of the particle meteringand singulation unit 44 is formed within the first disc housing 120.Additionally, the particle metering and singulation unit 44 includes thefirst particle disc 82 and the first disc housing 120. Additionally, theparticle hopper 92 (e.g., the particle storage area) is formed withinthe first disc housing 120.

As illustrated, the particle delivery system 40 includes a particletransfer assembly 130 having a particle tube 131 extending generallyfrom the release point 96 to an engagement point 132 of the secondparticle disc 84. The particle tube 131 of the particle transferassembly 130 is coupled to the first disc housing 120 and the seconddisc housing 122. The second particle disc 84 is configured to receiveeach particle 80 at the engagement point 132. The particle transferassembly 130 is configured to at least partially direct the particles 80from the first particle disc 82 (e.g., from the release point 96 of thefirst particle disc 82) to the second particle disc 84 (e.g., to theengagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84) along the releasetrajectory 114. In certain embodiments, the particle transfer assemblymay be omitted, such that the particles flow from the release point tothe engagement point without the particle transfer assembly. Theparticle tube may include any suitable shape and/or configurationconfigured to at least particle direct the particles, such as a channel,a cylindrical tube, a rectangular tube, and/or other suitableshapes/configurations.

The second particle disc 84 has apertures 134 configured to receive theparticles 80 at the engagement point 132. For example, each aperture 134may receive a single particle 80. The second particle disc 84 isconfigured to rotate, as indicated by arrow 136, to move the particles80 from the engagement point 132 to a release point 138 of the secondparticle disc 84, where the particles 80 are released along a releasetrajectory 140 toward the trench 31.

The air flow system 100 is configured to reduce the air pressure withina second vacuum passage 150 positioned along a portion of the secondparticle disc 84, thereby drawing the particles 80 toward and into theapertures 134 at the engagement point 132. As illustrated, the third airtube 108 is fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102 and to the secondvacuum passage 150 formed within the second disc housing 122. The airflow device 102 is configured to draw air through the apertures 134while the apertures 134 are aligned with the second vacuum passage 150.As the second particle disc 84 rotates, the vacuum formed at theapertures 134 secures the particles 80 to the second particle disc 84 atthe apertures 134, such that the second particle disc 84 moves eachparticle 80 from the engagement point 132 to the release point 138. Atthe release point 96, the second vacuum passage 150 ends (e.g., thevacuum is removed, terminated, and/or occluded), and the particles 80are released from the apertures 134 of the second particle disc 84 alongthe release trajectory 140. In certain embodiments, in addition to or inplace of removing the vacuum (e.g., the second vacuum passage ending),the air flow system may be configured to remove the particles from theparticle disc via an air flow. The air flow system may be configured toaccelerate the particles from the second particle disc toward the trenchas the particles are removed from the second particle disc. In certainembodiments, the particle delivery system may include a first air flowdevice (e.g., a first vacuum source) configured to form the vacuum alongthe first vacuum passage to secure the particles to the first particledisc, and a second air flow device (e.g., a second vacuum source)configured to form the vacuum along the second vacuum passage to securethe particles to the second particle disc.

As described above, the first particle disc 82 is configured to meterthe particles 80 and to provide a spacing between the particles 80. Thespacing between the particles 80 when disposed within the trench 31 mayenhance plant development and/or yield. Additionally, the particledelivery system 40 is configured to accelerate the particles 80generally toward and along the trench 31. The acceleration of theparticles 80 by the particle delivery system 40 may enable the row unitto travel faster than traditional row units that utilize seed tubes,which rely solely on gravity to accelerate the particles 80 for deliveryto soil. For example, the particle delivery system 40 may achieve higherapplication rates of the particles 80 compared to traditional row units,thereby enabling the row unit having the particle delivery system 40 totravel faster than traditional row units. The particle delivery system40 is configured to accelerate the particles 80 via the air flow system100, gravity, and the second particle disc 84. For example, the air flowsystem 100 is configured to provide the air flow 112 from the second airtube 106 to accelerate the particles 80 downwardly along the releasetrajectory 114. For example, the air flow system 100 may apply a forceto the particles 80 via the air flow 112. Additionally, the particledelivery system 40 is configured to enable the particles 80 toaccelerate under the influence of gravity as the particles 80 travelbetween the first particle disc 82 and the second particle disc 84. Thesecond particle disc 84 is configured to accelerate the particles 80received from the first particle disc 82, such that a particle exitspeed of the particles 80 expelled from the second particle disc 84along the release trajectory 140 reaches a target particle exit speed.The particle exit speed of the particles 80 may reach the targetparticle exit speed when the particle exit speed is equal to the targetparticle exit speed, when the particle exit speed passes (e.g., isgreater than or less than) the target particle exit speed, when theparticle exit speed is within a threshold value of the target particleexit speed, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second particle disc 84 is configured torotate faster than the first particle disc 82 to accelerate theparticles 80. For example, the first particle disc 82 may rotate at afirst speed (e.g., a first tangential velocity of the first particledisc 82 at the apertures 90), and the second particle disc 84 may rotateat a second speed (e.g., a second tangential velocity of the secondparticle disc 84 at the apertures 134) faster than the first speed. Thefaster speed the second particle disc 84 may accelerate the particles 80to the target particle exit speed as the particles 80 are released fromthe second particle disc 84.

In some embodiments, the second particle disc 84 may have a largerradius than the first particle disc 82. As used herein, radius refers tothe radial distance from a center of a particle disc to the apertures ofthe particle disc. For example, a first radius of the first particledisc 82 may be a radial distance between a center of the first particledisc 82 and the apertures 90, and a second radius of the second particledisc 84 may be a radial distance between a center of the second particledisc 84 and the apertures 134. The larger radius of the second particledisc 84 may accelerate the particles 80 (e.g., even if the first andsecond particle discs are rotating at the same rotational speed). Forexample, the tangential velocity of the second particle disc 84 at theapertures 134 may be greater than the tangential velocity of the firstparticle disc 82 at the apertures 90, because a radial distance of theapertures 134 is greater than a radial distance of the apertures 90.

In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system may includeadditional particle discs (e.g., in addition to the first particle disc82 and the second particle disc 84) configured to accelerate theparticles toward and/or along the trench. Each particle disc (from theparticle disc adjacent to the hopper to the particle disc adjacent tothe trench) may rotate progressively faster and/or may haveprogressively larger radii, such that each progressive particle discimparts a greater velocity on each particle as the particle is releasedfrom the respective particle disc.

The particle delivery system 40 includes a controller 170 configured tocontrol the rotation rate (e.g., the rotational speed) of the firstparticle disc 82 to adjust/control the spacing between the particles 80.For example, the controller 170 may control a motor 171, which isconfigured to drive rotation of the first particle disc 82, toadjust/control the rotation rate of the first particle disc 82 (e.g., byoutputting an output signal to the motor 171 indicative of instructionsto adjust the rotation rate of the first particle disc 82).Additionally, the controller 170 may control the motor 171 to achieve atarget spacing between the particles 80. The controller 170 maydetermine the target spacing between the particles 80 based on a type ofthe particles 80, an input received from a user interface, and/or aground speed of the row unit. The spacing may be any suitable spacing,such as one centimeter, two centimeters, five centimeters, tencentimeters, fifty centimeters, one meter, two meters, five meters, etc.In certain embodiments, the controller 170 may control the rotation rateof the first particle disc 82 (e.g., via control of the motor 171) toachieve the target spacing based on a reference table identifyingrotational speeds of the first particle disc 82 that will achieveparticular spacings, based on an empirical formula, in response tosensor feedback, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, the controller 170 is configured to control the rotationrate (e.g., rotational speed) of the second particle disc 84 toadjust/control the particle exit speed of the particles 80 expelled fromthe second particle disc 84 (e.g., from the release point 138 of thesecond particle disc 84, along the release trajectory 140, and towardand/or along the trench 31), such that the particle exit speed reaches atarget particle exit speed. For example, the controller 170 may controla motor 173, which is configured to drive rotation of the secondparticle disc 84, to adjust/control the rotation rate of the secondparticle disc 84 (e.g., by outputting an output signal to the motor 173indicative of instructions to adjust the rotation rate of the secondparticle disc 84), thereby enabling the controller 170 to adjust/controlthe particle exit speed of the particles 80. The controller 170 maycontrol the particle exit speed of the particles 80, such that theparticle exit speed reaches the target particle exit speed. Thecontroller 170 may determine the target particle exit speed of theparticles 80 based on the type of the particles 80, an input receivedfrom a user interface, and/or the ground speed of the row unit. Thetarget particle exit speed may be any suitable speed, such one kilometerper hour (kph), two kph, three kph, five kph, ten kph, fifteen kph,twenty kph, etc. In certain embodiments, the controller 170 maydetermine the target particle exit speed as a target percentage of theground speed of the row unit (e.g., thirty percent, fifty percent,seventy percent, eighty percent, ninety percent, ninety-five percent,one hundred percent, etc.).

To control the rotation rate of the second particle disc 84, thecontroller 170 may receive an input signal indicative of the particleexit speed of the particle 80 at the release point 138 of the secondparticle disc 84. For example, the controller 170 may receive the inputsignal from a particle sensor 176 of the particle delivery system 40disposed adjacent to the release point 138 and along the releasetrajectory 140. The particle exit speed may be a particle exit speed ofone or more particles 80 (e.g., an mean, a median, a minimum, or amaximum of particle exit speeds of the one or more particles 80). Theparticle sensor 176 may include an infrared sensor or another suitabletype of sensor configured to output the input signal indicative of theparticle exit speed of each particle 80 at the release point 138. Theparticle sensor 176 may be positioned a fixed distance from the releasepoint 138 of the second particle disc 84, such that the controller 170may determine the particle exit speed of the particle 80 at the releasepoint 138 based on the fixed distance and the input signal indicative ofthe particle exit speed received from the particle sensor 176 (e.g.,based on deceleration of the particle 80 traveling the fixed distance).

The controller 170 may compare the particle exit speed of the particle80 at the release point 138 of the second particle disc 84 to the targetparticle exit speed to determine whether a difference between theparticle exit speed and the target particle exit speed exceeds athreshold value. In response to determining that the particle exit speedat the release point 138 of the second particle disc 84 is less than thetarget particle exit speed and the difference between the particle exitspeed and the target particle exit speed exceeds the threshold value,the controller 170 may output an output signal indicative ofinstructions to increase the rotation rate of the second particle disc84. For example, the controller 170 may output the output signal to themotor 173 to cause the motor 173 to increase the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc 84. The increase in the rotation rate of the secondparticle disc 84 may increase the particle exit speed, such that theparticle exit speed reaches the target particle exit speed (e.g., suchthat the difference between the particle exit speed and the targetparticle exit speed is less than the threshold value).

In response to determining that the particle exit speed at the releasepoint 138 of the second particle disc 84 is greater than the targetparticle exit speed and the difference between the particle exit speedand the target particle exit speed exceeds the threshold value, thecontroller 170 may output an output signal indicative of instructions todecrease the rotation rate of the second particle disc 84. For example,the controller 170 may output the output signal to the motor 173 tocause the motor 173 to decrease the rotation rate of the second particledisc 84. The decrease in the rotation rate of the second particle disc84 may decrease the particle exit speed, such that the particle exitspeed reaches the target particle exit speed (e.g., such that thedifference between the particle exit speed and the target particle exitspeed is less than the threshold value).

In certain embodiments, the controller 170 is configured to control theair flow 112 provided by the air flow system 100 to adjust/control aparticle transfer speed of each particle 80 expelled from the firstparticle disc 82 (e.g., from the release point 96 of the first particledisc 82, along the release trajectory 114, and toward the engagementpoint 132 of the second particle disc 84), such that the particletransfer speed reaches a target particle transfer speed at theengagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84. For example, thecontroller 170 may control the air flow device 102, which is configuredto provide the air flow 112 to accelerate each particle 80 along therelease trajectory 114. The controller 170 may determine the targetparticle transfer speed of the particles 80 based on the rotation rateof the second particle disc 84 and/or the type of the particles 80. Thetarget particle transfer speed may be any suitable speed, such one-tenthkph, one-half kph, one kph, two kph, three kph, five kph, ten kph,fifteen kph, twenty kph, etc. In certain embodiments, the controller 170may determine the target particle transfer speed as a target percentageof the rotation rate of the second particle disc 84 (e.g., thirtypercent, fifty percent, seventy percent, eighty percent, ninety percent,ninety-five percent, one hundred percent, etc.).

To control the air flow 112 provided by the air flow system 100, thecontroller 170 may receive an input signal indicative of the particletransfer speed of the particle 80 at the engagement point 132 of thesecond particle disc 84. For example, the controller 170 may receive theinput signal from a particle sensor 178 of the particle delivery system40 disposed within the particle transfer assembly 130. The particletransfer speed may be a particle transfer speed of one or more particles80 (e.g., an mean, a median, a minimum, or a maximum of particletransfer speeds of the one or more particles 80). The particle sensor178 may include an infrared sensor or another suitable type of sensorconfigured to output the input signal indicative of the particletransfer speed of each particle 80 at the engagement point 132. Theparticle sensor 178 may be positioned a fixed distance from theengagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84, such that thecontroller 170 may determine the particle transfer speed of the particle80 at the engagement point 132 based on the fixed distance and the inputsignal indicative of the particle transfer speed received from theparticle sensor 178 (e.g., based on gravitational acceleration of theparticle 80 traveling the fixed distance from the particle sensor 178 tothe engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84).

The controller 170 may compare the particle transfer speed of theparticle 80 at the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84to the target particle transfer speed to determine whether a differencebetween the particle transfer speed and the target particle transferspeed exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that theparticle transfer speed at the engagement point 132 of the secondparticle disc 84 is less than the target particle transfer speed and thedifference between the particle transfer speed and the target particletransfer speed exceeds the threshold value, the controller 170 mayoutput an output signal indicative of instructions to increase the flowrate of the air flow 112 provided by the air flow system 100 from thesecond air tube 106. For example, the controller 170 may output theoutput signal to the air flow device 102 to cause the air flow device102 to increase the flow rate of the air flow 112. The increase in theair flow rate may increase the particle transfer speed, such that theparticle transfer speed reaches the target particle transfer speed(e.g., such that the difference between the particle transfer speed andthe target particle transfer speed is less than the threshold value).

In response to determining that the particle transfer speed at theengagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84 is greater than thetarget particle transfer speed and the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds thethreshold value, the controller 170 may output an output signalindicative of instructions to decrease the flow rate of the air flow 112provided by the air flow system 100. For example, the controller 170 mayoutput the output signal to the air flow device 102 to cause the airflow device 102 to decrease the flow rate of the air flow 112. Thedecrease in the air flow rate may decrease the particle transfer speed,such that the particle transfer speed reaches the target particletransfer speed (e.g., such that the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed is less than thethreshold value).

As illustrated, the controller 170 of the particle delivery system 40includes a processor 190 and a memory 192. The processor 190 (e.g., amicroprocessor) may be used to execute software, such as software storedin the memory 192 for controlling the particle delivery system 40 (e.g.,for controlling rotational speeds of the first particle disc 82 and thesecond particle disc 84, and the air flow 112 provided by the air flowsystem 100). Moreover, the processor 190 may include multiplemicroprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one ormore special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. Forexample, the processor 190 may include one or more reduced instructionset (RISC) or complex instruction set (CISC) processors.

The memory device 192 may include a volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-onlymemory (ROM). The memory device 192 may store a variety of informationand may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device 192may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software)for the processor 190 to execute, such as instructions for controllingthe particle delivery system 40. In certain embodiments, the controller170 may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitablecomponents. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) mayinclude ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical,magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. Thestorage device(s) may store data (e.g., the target particle exit speed),instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the particledelivery system 40), and any other suitable data. The processor 190and/or the memory device 192, and/or an additional processor and/ormemory device, may be located in any suitable portion of the system. Forexample, a memory device for storing instructions (e.g., software orfirmware for controlling portions of the particle delivery system 40)may be located in or associated with the particle delivery system 40.

Additionally, the particle delivery system 40 includes a user interface194 is communicatively coupled to the controller 170. The user interface194 may be configured to inform an operator of the particle exit speedof the particles 80, to enable the operator to adjust the rotationalspeed of the first particle disc 82 and/or the spacing between theparticles 80, to enable the operator to adjust the rotational speed ofthe second particle disc 84 and/or the air flow 112 provided by the airflow system 100, to provide the operator with selectable options of thetype of particles 80, and to enable other operator interactions. Forexample, the user interface 194 may include a display and/or other userinteraction devices (e.g., buttons) configured to enable operatorinteractions.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 200 forcontrolling the particle delivery system. The process 200, or portionsthereof, may be performed by the controller of the particle deliverysystem. The process 200 begins at block 202, in which an input signalindicative of operating parameter(s) is received. For example, theoperating parameters may include the type of the particles, the groundspeed of the row unit, a radius of one or more particle discs, a spacingbetween apertures of one or more particle discs, or a combinationthereof. The input signal may be received from the user interfacecommunicatively coupled to the controller, may be stored in the memoryof the controller, may be received via sensor(s) of the row unit and/orthe agricultural implement, may be received from a transceiver, or acombination thereof.

At block 204, the target particle exit speed is determined. For example,the controller may determine the target particle exit speed of theparticles based on the type of the particles, the ground speed of therow unit, other operating parameter(s) received at block 202, or acombination thereof. At block 206, an input signal indicative of theparticle exit speed of the particle at the release point of the secondparticle disc is received. For example, the controller may receive theinput signal indicative of the particle exit speed from the particlesensor disposed adjacent to the release point of the second particledisc. In certain embodiments, the controller may receive multiple inputsignals from the particle sensor, in which each input signal isindicative of a particle exit speed of a respective particle. Thecontroller may determine an average of the multiple particle exit speedsto determine the average particle exit speed of the particles at therelease point. As such, the controller may account for variance amongthe particle exit speeds of multiple particles at the release point toreduce excessive control actions (e.g., adjustments to the rotation rateof the second particle disc).

At block 208, a determination of whether a difference between theparticle exit speed and the target particle exit speed exceeds athreshold value is made (e.g., by the controller). Additionally, adetermination of whether the particle exit speed is less than or greaterthan the target particle exit speed is made (e.g., by the controller).The threshold value may be determined based on the type of theparticles, the ground speed of the row unit, and/or other factors. Inresponse to the difference exceeding the threshold, the process 200proceeds to block 210. In response to the difference not exceeding thethreshold, the process 200 returns to block 206 and receives the nextinput signal indicative of the particle exit speed.

At block 210, in response to the difference between the particle exitspeed and the target particle exit speed exceeding the threshold value,an output signal indicative of instructions to adjust the rotation rateof the second particle disc is output to the motor coupled to andconfigured to drive rotation of the second particle disc. For example,the controller may output the output signal indicative of instructionsto increase the rotation rate of the second particle disc based on adetermination that the particle exit speed is less than the targetparticle exit speed and the difference between the particle exit speedand the target particle exit speed exceeds the threshold value. Further,the controller may output the output signal indicative of instructionsto decrease the rotation rate of the second particle disc based on adetermination that the particle exit speed is greater than the targetparticle exit speed and the difference between the particle exit speedand the target particle exit speed exceeds the threshold value.

After completing block 210, the process 200 returns to block 206 andreceives the next input signal indicative of the particle exit speed ofthe particle at the release point of the second particle disc. The nextdetermination is made of whether the difference between the particleexit speed and the target particle exit speed exceeds the thresholdvalue (e.g., block 208), and the rotation rate of the second particledisc is adjusted in response to the determination. As such, blocks206-210 of the process 200 may be iteratively performed (e.g., by thecontroller of the particle delivery system and/or by another suitablecontroller) to facilitate acceleration of the particles to the targetparticle exit speed. In some embodiments, certain blocks of the blocks202-210 may be omitted from the process 200, and/or the order of theblocks 202-210 may be different.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 220 forcontrolling the particle delivery system. The process 220, or portionsthereof, may be performed by the controller of the particle deliverysystem. The process 220 begins at block 222, in which an input signalindicative of operating parameter(s) is received. For example, theoperating parameters may include the type of the particles, the groundspeed of the row unit, a radius of one or more particle discs, a spacingbetween apertures of one or more particle discs, or a combinationthereof. The input signal may be received from the user interfacecommunicatively coupled to the controller, may be stored in the memoryof the controller, may be received via sensor(s) of the row unit and/orthe agricultural implement, may be received from a transceiver, or acombination thereof.

At block 224, the target particle transfer speed is determined. Forexample, the controller may determine the target particle transfer speedof the particles based on the type of the particles, the rotation rateof the second particle disc (e.g., the second particle disc having theengagement point configured to receive the particles traveling at theparticle transfer speed), other operating parameter(s) received at block222, or a combination thereof. At block 226, an input signal indicativeof the particle transfer speed of the particle at the engagement pointof the second particle disc is received. For example, the controller mayreceive the input signal indicative of the particle transfer speed fromthe particle sensor disposed adjacent to the engagement point of thesecond particle disc. In certain embodiments, the controller may receivemultiple input signals from the particle sensor, in which each inputsignal is indicative of a particle transfer speed of a respectiveparticle. The controller may determine an average of the multipleparticle transfer speeds to determine the average particle transferspeed of the particles at the engagement point. As such, the controllermay account for variance among the particle transfer speeds of multipleparticles at the engagement point to reduce excessive control actions(e.g., adjustments to the air flow provided by the air flow system).

At block 228, a determination of whether a difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds athreshold value is made (e.g., by the controller). Additionally, adetermination of whether the particle transfer speed is less than orgreater than the target particle transfer speed is made (e.g., by thecontroller). The threshold value may be determined based on the type ofthe particles and/or the rotation rate of the second particle disc. Inresponse to the difference exceeding the threshold, the process 220proceeds to block 230. In response to the difference not exceeding thethreshold, the process 220 returns to block 226 and receives the nextinput signal indicative of the particle transfer speed.

At block 230, in response to the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeding thethreshold value, an output signal indicative of instructions to adjustthe flow rate of the air flow is output to the air flow deviceconfigured to provide the air flow. For example, the controller mayoutput the output signal indicative of instructions to increase the flowrate of the air flow provided by the air flow device (e.g., by the airflow device of the air flow system) based on a determination that theparticle transfer speed is less than the target particle transfer speedand the difference between the particle transfer speed and the targetparticle transfer speed exceeds the threshold value. Further, thecontroller may output the output signal indicative of instructions todecrease the flow rate of the air flow provided by the air flow devicebased on a determination that the particle transfer speed is greaterthan the target particle transfer speed and the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceedsthe threshold value.

After completing block 230, the process 220 returns to block 226 andreceives the next input signal indicative of the particle transfer speedof the particle at the engagement point of the second particle disc. Thenext determination is made of whether the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceedsthe threshold value (e.g., block 228), and the flow rate of the air flowprovided by the air flow device is adjusted in response to thedetermination. As such, blocks 226-230 of the process 220 may beiteratively performed (e.g., by the controller of the particle deliverysystem and/or by another suitable controller) to facilitate accelerationof the particles to the target particle transfer speed and transfer ofthe particles between the first and second particle discs. In someembodiments, certain blocks of the blocks 222-230 may be omitted fromthe process 220, and/or the order of the blocks 222-230 may bedifferent.

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a particle deliverysystem 240 that may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 . Asillustrated, the particle delivery system 240 includes the particlemetering and singulation unit 44, which includes the first particle disc82, configured to meter and establish the spacing between the particles80. The particle delivery system 240 also includes the second particledisc 84 configured to receive the particles 80 from the first particledisc 82 and to expel the particles 80 into the trench 31. Additionally,the particle delivery system 240 includes the air flow system 100configured to provide the vacuum along the first vacuum passage 110adjacent to the first particle disc 82, to remove the particles 80 fromthe first particle disc 82 and accelerate the particles 80 along therelease trajectory 114 via the air flow 112, and to provide the vacuumalong the second vacuum passage 150 adjacent to the second particle disc84.

The particle delivery system 240 includes a particle transfer assembly242 disposed generally between the release point 96 of the firstparticle disc 82 and the engagement point 132 of the second particledisc 84. The particle transfer assembly 242 includes a particle transferhousing 244 coupled to the first disc housing 120 and to the second dischousing 122, such that the particle transfer housing 244, the first dischousing 120, and the second disc housing 122 form a particle deliveryhousing 246. The particle transfer assembly 242 is configured toaccelerate and at least partially direct the particles 80 toward thesecond particle disc 84 (e.g., to the engagement point 132 of the secondparticle disc 84) along a transfer trajectory 248.

The particle transfer assembly 242 includes guide wheels 250 configuredto rotate (e.g., in opposite directions) to drive the particles 80downwardly along the transfer trajectory 248. For example, each guidewheel 250 includes a wheel base 252 (e.g., a wheel, a gear, etc.) andpaddles 254 coupled to the wheel base 252. The wheel base 252 isconfigured to rotate to drive rotation of the paddles 254. The paddles254 are configured to contact the particles 80 flowing between the guidewheels 250. As a paddle 254 contacts a respective particle 80, thepaddle 254 directs the particle 80 along the transfer trajectory 248.Additionally, the paddles 254 are configured to accelerate the particles80, such that the particle transfer speed of the particles 80 reachesthe target particle transfer speed. The paddles 254 may be formed from aresilient and flexible material (e.g., rubber, plastic, fabric, othermaterials, or a combination thereof) that enables the paddles 254 toflex in response to contact with the particles 80 and/or in response torotation of the guide wheels 250. In certain embodiments, the particledelivery system may include more or fewer guide wheels disposedgenerally between the particle discs and configured to guide and toaccelerate the particles along the transfer trajectory (e.g., one guidewheel, three guide wheels, four guide wheels, six guide wheels, tenguide wheels, etc.). In some embodiments, the particle delivery system240 may include both the air flow 112 and the particle transfer assembly242 configured to progressively accelerate the particles 80. In otherembodiments, the air flow 112 may be omitted from the particle deliverysystem 240.

In certain embodiments, the controller 170 is configured to control arotation rate of the guide wheels 250 to adjust/control the particletransfer speed of the particles 80 along the transfer trajectory 248 andtoward the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84, suchthat the particle transfer speed reaches a target particle transferspeed at the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84.

To control the rotation rate of the guide wheels 250, the controller 170may receive an input signal indicative of the particle transfer speed ofthe particle 80 at the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc84. For example, the controller 170 may receive the input signal from aparticle sensor 256 of the particle delivery system 40 disposed withinthe particle transfer housing 244 adjacent to the particle transferassembly 242. The particle sensor 256 may include an infrared sensor oranother suitable type of sensor configured to output the input signalindicative of the particle transfer speed of each particle 80 at theengagement point 132. The particle sensor 256 may be positioned a fixeddistance from the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84,such that the controller 170 may determine the particle transfer speedof the particle 80 at the engagement point 132 based on the fixeddistance and the input signal indicative of the particle transfer speedreceived from the particle sensor 256 (e.g., based on gravitationalacceleration of the particle 80 traveling the fixed distance from theparticle sensor 256 to the engagement point 132 of the second particledisc 84).

The controller 170 may compare the particle transfer speed of theparticle 80 at the engagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84to the target particle transfer speed to determine whether a differencebetween the particle transfer speed and the target particle transferspeed exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that theparticle transfer speed at the engagement point 132 of the secondparticle disc 84 is less than the target particle transfer speed and thedifference between the particle transfer speed and the target particletransfer speed exceeds the threshold value, the controller 170 mayoutput an output signal indicative of instructions to increase therotation rate of the guide wheels 250. For example, the controller 170may output the output signal to a motor 260 of the particle deliverysystem 240 coupled to and configured to drive rotation of the wheel base252 of each guide wheel 250 to cause the motor 260 to increase therotation rate of each guide wheel 250. The increase in the rotation rateof the guide wheels 250 may increase the particle transfer speed, suchthat the particle transfer speed reaches the target particle transferspeed (e.g., such that the difference between the particle transferspeed and the target particle transfer speed is less than the thresholdvalue).

In response to determining that the particle transfer speed at theengagement point 132 of the second particle disc 84 is greater than thetarget particle transfer speed and the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds thethreshold value, the controller 170 may output an output signalindicative of instructions to decrease the rotation rate of the guidewheels 250. For example, the controller 170 may output the output signalto the motor 260 of the particle delivery system 240 to cause the motor260 to decrease the rotation rate of each guide wheel 250. The decreasein the rotation rate of the guide wheels 250 may decrease the particletransfer speed, such that the particle transfer speed reaches the targetparticle transfer speed (e.g., such that the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed is lessthan the threshold value). In certain embodiments, the controller 170may control both the air flow 112 and the rotation rate of the guidewheels 250 to progressively accelerate the particles 80, such that theparticle transfer speed reach the target particle transfer speed. Inother embodiments, the air flow 112 may omitted, and the controller 170may control the rotation rate of the guide wheels 250 to accelerate theparticles 80.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a further embodiment of a process 280 forcontrolling the particle delivery system. The process 280, or portionsthereof, may be performed by the controller of the particle deliverysystem. The process 280 begins at block 282, in which an input signalindicative of operating parameter(s) is received. For example, theoperating parameters may include the type of the particles, the groundspeed of the row unit, a radius of one or more particle discs, a spacingbetween apertures of one or more particle discs, or a combinationthereof. The input signal may be received from the user interfacecommunicatively coupled to the controller, may be stored in the memoryof the controller, may be received via sensor(s) of the row unit and/orthe agricultural implement, may be received from a transceiver, or acombination thereof.

At block 284, the target particle transfer speed is determined. Forexample, the controller may determine the target particle transfer speedof the particles based on the type of the particles, the rotation rateof the second particle disc (e.g., the second particle disc having theengagement point configured to receive the particles traveling at theparticle transfer speed), other operating parameter(s) received at block282, or a combination thereof. At block 286, an input signal indicativeof the particle transfer speed of the particle at the engagement pointof the second particle disc is received. For example, the controller mayreceive the input signal indicative of the particle transfer speed fromthe particle sensor disposed adjacent to the engagement point of thesecond particle disc. In certain embodiments, the controller may receivemultiple input signals from the particle sensor, in which each inputsignal is indicative of a particle transfer speed of a respectiveparticle. The controller may determine an average of the multipleparticle transfer speeds to determine the average particle transferspeed of the particles at the engagement point. As such, the controllermay account for variance among the particle transfer speeds of multipleparticles at the engagement point to reduce excessive control actions(e.g., adjustments to the air flow provided by the air flow system).

At block 288, a determination of whether a difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds athreshold value is made (e.g., by the controller). Additionally, adetermination of whether the particle transfer speed is less than orgreater than the target particle transfer speed is made (e.g., by thecontroller). The threshold value may be determined based on the type ofthe particles and/or the rotation rate of the second particle disc. Inresponse to the difference exceeding the threshold, the process 280proceeds to block 290. In response to the difference not exceeding thethreshold, the process 280 returns to block 286 and receives the nextinput signal indicative of the particle transfer speed.

At block 290, in response to the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeding thethreshold value, an output signal indicative of instructions to adjustthe rotation rate of the guide wheels is output to the motor coupled toand configured to drive rotation of the guide wheels. For example, thecontroller may output the output signal indicative of instructions toincrease the rotation rate of the guide wheels based on a determinationthat the particle transfer speed is less than the target particletransfer speed and the difference between the particle transfer speedand the target particle transfer speed exceeds the threshold value.Further, the controller may output the output signal indicative ofinstructions to decrease the rotation rate of the guide wheels based ona determination that the particle transfer speed is greater than thetarget particle transfer speed and the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds thethreshold value.

After completing block 290, the process 280 returns to block 286 andreceives the next input signal indicative of the particle transfer speedof the particle at the engagement point of the second particle disc. Thenext determination is made of whether the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceedsthe threshold value (e.g., block 288), and the rotation rate of theguide wheels is adjusted in response to the determination. As such,blocks 286-290 of the process 280 may be iteratively performed (e.g., bythe controller of the particle delivery system and/or by anothersuitable controller) to facilitate acceleration of the particles to thetarget particle transfer speed and transfer of the particles between thefirst and second particle discs. In some embodiments, certain blocks ofthe blocks 282-290 may be omitted from the process 280, and/or the orderof the blocks 282-290 may be different.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a particle delivery system 300that may be employed within the row unit of FIG. 2 . As illustrated, theparticle delivery system 300 includes the particle metering andsingulation unit 44, which includes the first particle disc 82,configured to meter and establish the spacing between the particles 80.The particle delivery system 300 also includes a second particle disc302 configured to accelerate and move the particles 80 to a particlebelt 304, and the particle belt 304 configured to accelerate and movethe particles 80 toward the trench 31. The second particle disc 302 isconfigured to rotate, as indicated by arrow 306, to move the particles80 to the particle belt 304. The particle belt 304 is configured torotate, as indicated by arrows 308, to expel the particles 80 into thetrench 31.

As illustrated, the particle delivery system 300 includes an air flowsystem 320 having the air flow device 102, the first air tube 104fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102, the second air tube 106fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102, and a third air tube 322fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102. The air flow system 320 isconfigured to reduce the air pressure within the first vacuum passage110 positioned along a portion of the first particle disc 82, therebydrawing the particles 80 from the particle hopper 92 toward and againstthe apertures 90. As described above, the first air tube 104 is fluidlycoupled to the air flow device 102 and to the first vacuum passage 110,such that the air flow device 102 is configured to draw air through theapertures 90, via the first air tube 104, while the apertures 90 arealigned with the first vacuum passage 110. At the release point 96, theair flow system 320 provides, via the second air tube 106, the first airflow 112 configured to remove each particle 80 from the respectiveaperture 90 (e.g., by overcoming the vacuum formed at the apertures 90.The particles 80 are released from the first particle disc 82 along therelease trajectory 114. Rotation of the first particle disc 82 imparts avelocity on the particles along the release trajectory 114, and theparticles 80 accelerate downwardly along the release trajectory 114under the influence of gravity.

The particle delivery system 300 includes the first disc housing 120, asecond disc housing 330, and a belt housing 332. The first particle disc82 is disposed within and configured to rotate within the first dischousing 120. The second particle disc 302 is disposed within andconfigured to rotate within the second disc housing 330. The particlebelt 304 is disposed within and configured to rotate within the belthousing 332.

The particle delivery system 300 includes a first particle tube 340coupled to the first disc housing 120 and the second disc housing 330.The first particle tube 340 extends generally from the release point 96to an engagement point 342 (e.g., a first engagement point) of thesecond particle disc 302 and is configured to at least partially directthe particles 80 from the first particle disc 82 (e.g., from the releasepoint 96 of the first particle disc 82) to the second particle disc 302(e.g., to the engagement point 342) along the release trajectory 114.Additionally, the particle delivery system 300 includes a secondparticle tube 344 coupled to the second disc housing 330 and the belthousing 332. The first particle tube 340 extends generally from arelease point 346 (e.g., a second release point) of the second particledisc 302 to a particle engagement section 348 of the particle belt 304and is configured to at least partially direct the particles 80 from thesecond particle disc 302 (e.g., from the release point 346) to theparticle belt 304 (e.g., to the particle engagement section 348) along atransfer trajectory 350. The particle belt is configured to expel theparticles 80 from a particle exit section 352 of the particle belt 304along a release trajectory 354 into the trench 31. In certainembodiments, the first particle tube may be omitted, such that theparticles flow from the release point of the first particle disc to theengagement point of the second particle disc, and/or the second particledisc may be omitted, such that the particles flow from the release pointof the second particle disc to the particle engagement section of theparticle belt.

The second particle disc 302 has apertures 360 configured to receive theparticles 80 at the engagement point 342 of the second particle disc302. For example, each aperture 360 may receive a single particle 80.The air flow system 320 is configured to reduce the air pressure withina second vacuum passage 362 positioned along a portion of the secondparticle disc 302, thereby drawing the particles 80 toward and into theapertures 360 at the engagement point 342. As illustrated, the third airtube 322 is fluidly coupled to the air flow device 102 and to the secondvacuum passage 362 formed within the second disc housing 330. The airflow device 102 is configured to draw air through the apertures 360while the apertures 360 are aligned with the second vacuum passage 362.As the second particle disc 302 rotates, the vacuum formed at theapertures 360 secures the particles 80 to the second particle disc 302at the apertures 360, such that the second particle disc 302 moves eachparticle 80 from the engagement point 342 to the release point 346. Atthe release point 346, the second vacuum passage 362 ends (e.g., thevacuum is removed, terminated, and/or occluded), and the particles 80are released from the apertures 360 of the second particle disc 302along the transfer trajectory 350. In certain embodiments, in additionto or in place of removing the vacuum (e.g., the second vacuum passageending), the air flow system may be configured to remove the particlesfrom the particle disc via an air flow. The air flow system may beconfigured to accelerate the particles from the second particle disctoward the particle belt as the particles are removed from the secondparticle disc. In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system mayinclude a first air flow device (e.g., a first vacuum source) configuredto form the vacuum along the first vacuum passage to secure theparticles to the first particle disc, and a second air flow device(e.g., a second vacuum source) configured to form the vacuum along thesecond vacuum passage to secure the particles to the second particledisc.

The particle belt 304 includes a base 370 and flights 372 coupled to andextending from the base 370. Each pair of opposing flights 372 of theparticle belt 304 is configured to receive a respective particle 80 atthe particle engagement section 348 of the particle belt 304 and to movethe respective particle 80 to the particle exit section 352 of theparticle belt 304.

As described above, the first particle disc 82 is configured to meterthe particles 80 and to provide a spacing between the particles 80. Thespacing between the particles 80 when disposed within the trench 31 mayenhance plant development and/or yield. Additionally, the particledelivery system 300 is configured to accelerate the particles 80generally toward and along the trench 31. The acceleration of theparticles 80 by the particle delivery system 300 may enable the row unitto reduce a relative ground speed of the particles 80 compared totraditional row units that utilize seed tubes, which rely solely ongravity to accelerate the particles 80 for delivery to soil. Forexample, the particle delivery system 300 is configured to acceleratethe particles 80 via the air flow system 320, gravity, the secondparticle disc 302, and the particle belt 304. The air flow system 320 isconfigured to provide the first air flow 112 from the second air tube106 to accelerate the particles 80 downwardly along the releasetrajectory 114 (e.g., the air flow system 320 may apply a force to theparticles 80 via the first air flow 112). Additionally, the particledelivery system 300 is configured to enable the particles 80 toaccelerate under the influence of gravity as the particles 80 travelbetween the first particle disc 82 and the second particle disc 302.

The second particle disc 302 is configured to accelerate the particles80 received from the first particle disc 82, such that a particletransfer speed of the particles 80 expelled from the second particledisc 302 along the transfer trajectory 350 toward the particleengagement section 348 of the particle belt 304 reaches a targetparticle transfer speed at the particle engagement section 348. Theparticle transfer speed of the particles 80 may reach the targetparticle transfer speed when the particle transfer speed is equal to thetarget particle transfer speed, when the particle transfer speed passes(e.g., is greater than or less than) the target particle transfer speed,when the particle transfer speed is within a threshold value of thetarget particle transfer speed, or a combination thereof. In certainembodiments, as described above, the air flow system may provide an airflow at the release point of the second particle disc and/or into thesecond particle tube to accelerate the particles toward the particleengagement section of the particle belt, such that the particle transferspeed reaches the target particle transfer speed.

The particle belt 304 is configured to accelerate the particles 80received from the second particle disc 302, such that a particle exitspeed of the particles 80 expelled from the particle belt 304 along therelease trajectory 354 toward the trench 31 reaches a target particleexit speed. The particle exit speed of the particles 80 may reach thetarget particle exit speed when the particle exit speed is equal to thetarget particle exit speed, when the particle exit speed passes (e.g.,is greater than or less than) the target particle exit speed, when theparticle exit speed is within a threshold value of the target particleexit speed, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, theparticle belt 304 is configured to rotate faster than the secondparticle disc 302 to accelerate the particles 80. For example, theparticle belt 304 may rotate at a belt speed faster than a rotationalspeed of the second particle disc 302 (e.g., faster than a tangentialspeed of the apertures 360 of the second particle disc 302).

In some embodiments, the particle belt 304 may be a particle transferbelt (e.g., a particle transport belt) configured to transfer (e.g.,transport) the particles 80 from the second particle disc 302 to thetrench 31 without accelerating the particles 80. For example, theparticle transfer speed of the particles 80 at the particle engagementsection 348 may be generally equal to the particle exit speed of theparticles 80 at the particle exit section 352. In certain embodiments,rotation of the particle belt 304 may be controlled, such that theparticle exit speed is within a threshold value of the particle transferspeed (e.g., such that a difference between the particle transfer speedand the particle exit speed is less than the threshold value).

In some embodiments, the particle delivery system may include additionalparticle disc(s) (e.g., in addition to the second particle disc 302)and/or additional particle belt(s) (e.g., in addition to the particlebelt 304) configured to accelerate the particles toward and/or along thetrench. Each particle disc and/or particle belt may rotate progressivelyfaster, such that each progressive particle disc and/or particle beltimparts a greater velocity on each particle as the particle is releasedfrom the respective particle disc and/or particle belt.

As illustrated, the first particle disc 82 has fourteen apertures 90. Incertain embodiments, the first particle disc 82 may have more or fewerapertures 90 (e.g., one aperture 90, two apertures 90, three apertures90, six apertures 90, twelve apertures 90, twenty-four apertures 90,etc.). Additionally, the second particle disc 302 has fourteen apertures360. In certain embodiments, the second particle disc 302 may have moreor fewer apertures 360 (e.g., one aperture 360, two apertures 360, threeapertures 360, six apertures 360, twelve apertures 360, twenty-fourapertures 360, etc.). In some embodiments, the second particle disc 302may have fewer apertures 360 than the apertures 90 of the first particledisc 82. For example, the second particle disc 302 may include oneaperture 360, two apertures 360, three apertures 360, or six apertures360, while the first particle disc 302 may include eight apertures 90,ten apertures 90, twelve apertures 90, sixteen apertures 90, or twentyfour apertures 90. As illustrated, the first particle disc 82 and thesecond particle disc 302 each have a generally similar radius. Incertain embodiments, the radius of the second particle disc 302 may besmaller the radius of the first particle disc 82. For example, theradius of the second particle disc 302 may be two-thirds the radius ofthe first particle disc 82, one-half the radius of the first particledisc 82, one-third the radius of the first particle disc 82, one-fourththe radius of the first particle disc 82, etc. As such, the secondparticle disc 302 may have fewer apertures and a smaller radius comparedto the first particle disc 82 and may rotate faster than the firstparticle disc 82 to progressively accelerate the particles 80 fordeposition to the trench 31. In embodiments with additional particledisc(s) configured to accelerate the particles 80 (e.g., additionalparticle discs disposed generally between the particle disc 82 and theparticle belt 304), each additional particle disc may be generallysmaller, may have fewer apertures, and may rotate faster than the firstparticle disc 82. Each additional particle disc disposed closer to thetrench 31 than a previous particle disc may be generally smaller, mayhave fewer apertures, and/or may rotate faster than the previousparticle disc.

In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system may include theparticle transfer assembly between the second particle disc and theparticle belt. For example, the particle tube extending between therelease point of the second particle disc and the particle engagementsection of the particle belt may be included in the particle transferassembly. In some embodiments, the particle transfer assembly mayinclude the guide wheels configured to rotate to accelerate theparticles flowing from the release point of the second particle disc tothe particle engagement section of the particle belt (e.g., in place ofor in addition to the particle tube).

The particle delivery system 300 includes the controller 170 configuredto control the rotation rate (e.g., the rotational speed) of the firstparticle disc 82 to adjust/control the spacing between the particles 80.For example, as described above, the controller 170 may control themotor 171, which is configured to drive rotation of the first particledisc 82, to adjust/control the rotation rate of the first particle disc82 (e.g., by outputting an output signal to the motor 171 indicative ofinstructions to adjust the rotation rate of the first particle disc 82).Additionally, as described above, the controller 170 may be configuredto control the first air flow 112 provided by the air flow system 320 toadjust/control a particle transfer speed (e.g., a first particletransfer speed) of each particle 80 expelled from the first particledisc 82 (e.g., from the release point 96 of the first particle disc 82,along the release trajectory 114, and toward the engagement point 342 ofthe second particle disc 302), such that the particle transfer speedreaches the target particle transfer speed (e.g., a second targetparticle transfer speed) at the engagement point 342.

Additionally, the controller 170 is configured to control the rotationrate of the second particle disc 302 to adjust/control the particletransfer speed (e.g., a second particle transfer speed) of the particles80 expelled from the release point 346 of the second particle disc 302,such that the particle transfer speed reaches a target particle transferspeed (e.g., a second target particle transfer speed) at the particleengagement section 348 of the particle belt 304. For example, thecontroller 170 may control a motor 380 configured to drive rotation ofthe second particle disc 302 to adjust/control the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc 302 (e.g., by outputting an output signal to themotor 380 indicative of instructions to adjust the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc 302), thereby enabling the controller 170 toadjust/control the particle transfer speed of the particles 80. Thecontroller 170 may control the particle transfer speed of the particles80, such that the particle transfer speed reaches the target particletransfer speed. The controller 170 may determine the target particletransfer speed of the particles 80 based on the type of the particles80, an input received from a user interface, a belt speed of theparticle belt 304, and/or the ground speed of the row unit. The targetparticle transfer speed may be any suitable speed, such one kilometerper hour (kph), two kph, three kph, five kph, ten kph, fifteen kph,twenty kph, etc. In certain embodiments, the controller 170 maydetermine the target particle transfer speed as a target percentage ofthe belt speed of the particle belt 304 and/or the ground speed of therow unit (e.g., thirty percent, fifty percent, seventy percent, eightypercent, ninety percent, ninety-five percent, one hundred percent,etc.).

To control the rotation rate of the second particle disc 302, thecontroller 170 may receive an input signal indicative of the particletransfer speed of the particle 80 at the particle engagement section 348of the particle belt 304. For example, the controller 170 may receivethe input signal from a particle sensor 382 of the particle deliverysystem 300 disposed adjacent to the particle engagement section 348 andalong the transfer trajectory 350. The particle sensor 382 may bepositioned a fixed distance from the particle engagement section 348,such that the controller 170 may determine the particle transfer speedof the particle 80 at the particle engagement section 348 based on thefixed distance and the input signal indicative of the particle transferspeed received from the particle sensor 180 (e.g., based on accelerationor deceleration of the particle 80 traveling the fixed distance).

The controller 170 may compare the particle transfer speed of theparticle 80 at the particle engagement section 348 to the targetparticle transfer speed to determine whether a difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds athreshold value. In response to determining that the particle transferspeed at the particle engagement section 348 is less than the targetparticle transfer speed and the difference between the particle transferspeed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds the thresholdvalue, the controller 170 may output an output signal indicative ofinstructions to increase the rotation rate of the second particle disc302. For example, the controller 170 may output the output signal to themotor 380 to cause the motor 380 to increase the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc 302. The increase in the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc 302 may increase the particle transfer speed, suchthat the particle transfer speed reaches the target particle transferspeed (e.g., such that the difference between the particle transferspeed and the target particle transfer speed is less than the thresholdvalue).

In response to determining that the particle transfer speed at theparticle engagement section 348 is greater than the target particletransfer speed and the difference between the particle transfer speedand the target particle transfer speed exceeds the threshold value, thecontroller 170 may output an output signal indicative of instructions todecrease the rotation rate of the second particle disc 302. For example,the controller 170 may output the output signal to the motor 380 tocause the motor 380 to decrease the rotation rate of the second particledisc 302. The decrease in the rotation rate of the second particle disc302 may decrease the particle transfer speed, such that the particletransfer speed reaches the target particle transfer speed (e.g., suchthat the difference between the particle transfer speed and the targetparticle transfer speed is less than the threshold value).

Furthermore, the controller 170 is configured to control the belt speedof the particle belt 304 to adjust/control the particle exit speed ofthe particles 80 expelled from the particle belt 304 (e.g., from theparticle exit section 352 of the particle belt 304, along the releasetrajectory 354, and toward and/or along the trench 31), such that theparticle exit speed reaches a target particle exit speed. For example,the controller 170 may control a wheel 384, via a motor 386, which isconfigured to drive rotation of the particle belt 304, to adjust/controlthe belt speed of the particle belt 304 (e.g., by outputting an outputsignal to the motor 386 indicative of instructions to adjust the beltspeed of the particle belt 304), thereby enabling the controller 170 toadjust/control the particle exit speed of the particles 80. Thecontroller 170 may control the particle exit speed of the particles 80,such that the particle exit speed reaches the target particle exitspeed. The controller 170 may determine the target particle exit speedof the particles 80 based on the type of the particles 80, an inputreceived from a user interface, and/or the ground speed of the row unit.The target particle exit speed may be any suitable speed, such onekilometer per hour (kph), two kph, three kph, five kph, ten kph, fifteenkph, twenty kph, etc. In certain embodiments, the controller 170 maydetermine the target particle exit speed as a target percentage of theground speed of the row unit (e.g., thirty percent, fifty percent,seventy percent, eighty percent, ninety percent, ninety-five percent,one hundred percent, etc.).

To control the belt speed of the particle belt 304, the controller 170may receive an input signal indicative of the particle exit speed of theparticle 80 at the particle exit section 352 of the particle belt 304.For example, the controller 170 may receive the input signal from theparticle sensor 176 of the particle delivery system 300 disposedadjacent to the particle exit section 352 and along the releasetrajectory 354. The particle sensor 176 may be positioned a fixeddistance from the particle exit section 352, such that the controller170 may determine the particle exit speed of the particle 80 at theparticle exit section 352 based on the fixed distance and the inputsignal indicative of the particle exit speed received from the particlesensor 186 (e.g., based on acceleration or deceleration of the particle80 traveling the fixed distance).

The controller 170 may compare the particle exit speed of the particle80 at the particle exit section 352 to the target particle exit speed todetermine whether a difference between the particle exit speed and thetarget particle exit speed exceeds a threshold value. In response todetermining that the particle exit speed at the particle exit section352 is less than the target particle exit speed and the differencebetween the particle exit speed and the target particle exit speedexceeds the threshold value, the controller 170 may output an outputsignal indicative of instructions to increase the belt speed of theparticle belt 304. For example, the controller 170 may output the outputsignal to the motor 386 to cause the motor 386 to increase the beltspeed of the particle belt 304. The increase in the belt speed of theparticle belt 304 may increase the particle exit speed, such that theparticle exit speed reaches the target particle exit speed (e.g., suchthat the difference between the particle exit speed and the targetparticle exit speed is less than the threshold value).

In response to determining that the particle exit speed at the particleexit section 352 of the particle belt 304 is greater than the targetparticle exit speed and the difference between the particle exit speedand the target particle exit speed exceeds the threshold value, thecontroller 170 may output an output signal indicative of instructions todecrease the belt speed of the particle belt 304. For example, thecontroller 170 may output the output signal to the motor 386 to causethe motor 386 to decrease the belt speed of the particle belt 304. Thedecrease in the belt speed of the particle belt 304 may decrease theparticle exit speed, such that the particle exit speed reaches thetarget particle exit speed (e.g., such that the difference between theparticle exit speed and the target particle exit speed is less than thethreshold value).

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 400 forcontrolling the particle delivery system. The process 400, or portionsthereof, may be performed by the controller of the particle deliverysystem. The process 400 begins at block 402, in which an input signalindicative of operating parameter(s) is received. For example, theoperating parameters may include the type of the particles, the groundspeed of the row unit, a radius of one or more particle discs, a spacingbetween apertures of one or more particle discs, a length of one or moreparticle belts, a spacing between flights of one or more particle belts,a distance between one or more particle discs and/or one or moreparticle belts, or a combination thereof. The input signal may bereceived from the user interface communicatively coupled to thecontroller, may be stored in the memory of the controller, may bereceived via sensor(s) of the row unit and/or the agriculturalimplement, may be received from a transceiver, or a combination thereof.

At block 404, the target particle transfer speed (e.g., the secondtarget particle transfer speed) is determined. For example, thecontroller may determine the target particle transfer speed of theparticles based on the type of the particles, the belt speed of theparticle belt, other operating parameter(s) received at block 402, or acombination thereof. At block 406, an input signal indicative of theparticle transfer speed of the particle at the particle engagementsection of the particle belt is received. For example, the controllermay receive the input signal indicative of the particle transfer speedfrom the particle sensor disposed adjacent to the particle engagementsection of the particle belt. In certain embodiments, the controller mayreceive multiple input signals from the particle sensor, in which eachinput signal is indicative of a particle transfer speed of a respectiveparticle. The controller may determine an average of the multipleparticle transfer speeds to determine the average particle transferspeed of the particles at the particle engagement section. As such, thecontroller may account for variance among the particle transfer speedsof multiple particles at the particle engagement section to reduceexcessive control actions (e.g., adjustments to the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc).

At block 408, a determination of whether a difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeds athreshold value is made (e.g., by the controller). Additionally, adetermination of whether the particle transfer speed is less than orgreater than the target particle transfer speed is made (e.g., by thecontroller). The threshold value may be determined based on the type ofthe particles and/or the belt speed of the particle belt. In response tothe difference exceeding the threshold, the process 400 proceeds toblock 410. In response to the difference not exceeding the threshold,the process 400 returns to block 406 and receives the next input signalindicative of the particle transfer speed.

At block 410, in response to the difference between the particletransfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceeding thethreshold value, an output signal indicative of instructions to adjustthe rotation rate of the second particle disc is output to the motorcoupled to and configured to drive rotation of the second particle disc.For example, the controller may output the output signal indicative ofinstructions to increase the rotation rate of the second particle discbased on a determination that the particle transfer speed is less thanthe target particle transfer speed and the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceedsthe threshold value. Further, the controller may output the outputsignal indicative of instructions to decrease the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc based on a determination that the particle transferspeed is greater than the target particle transfer speed and thedifference between the particle transfer speed and the target particletransfer speed exceeds the threshold value.

After completing block 410, the process 400 returns to block 406 andreceives the next input signal indicative of the particle transfer speedof the particle at the particle engagement section of the particle belt.The next determination is made of whether the difference between theparticle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speed exceedsthe threshold value (e.g., block 408), and the rotation rate of thesecond particle disc is adjusted in response to the determination. Assuch, blocks 406-410 of the process 280 may be iteratively performed(e.g., by the controller of the particle delivery system and/or byanother suitable controller) to facilitate acceleration of the particlesto the target particle transfer speed and transfer of the particlesbetween the second particle disc and the particle belt. In someembodiments, certain blocks of the blocks 282-290 may be omitted fromthe process 280, and/or the order of the blocks 282-290 may bedifferent.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 420 forcontrolling the particle delivery system. The process 420, or portionsthereof, may be performed by the controller of the particle deliverysystem. The process 420 begins at block 422, in which an input signalindicative of operating parameter(s) is received. For example, theoperating parameters may include the type of the particles, the groundspeed of the row unit, a radius of one or more particle discs, a spacingbetween apertures of one or more particle discs, a length of one or moreparticle belts, a spacing between flights of one or more particle belts,a distance between one or more particle discs and/or one or moreparticle belts, or a combination thereof. The input signal may bereceived from the user interface communicatively coupled to thecontroller, may be stored in the memory of the controller, may bereceived via sensor(s) of the row unit and/or the agriculturalimplement, may be received from a transceiver, or a combination thereof.

At block 424, the target particle exit speed is determined. For example,the controller may determine the target particle exit speed of theparticles based on the type of the particles, the ground speed of therow unit, other operating parameter(s) received at block 422, or acombination thereof. At block 426, an input signal indicative of theparticle exit speed of the particle at the particle exit section of theparticle belt is received. For example, the controller may receive theinput signal indicative of the particle exit speed from the particlesensor disposed adjacent to the particle exit section of the particlebelt. In certain embodiments, the controller may receive multiple inputsignals from the particle sensor, in which each input signal isindicative of a particle exit speed of a respective particle. Thecontroller may determine an average of the multiple particle exit speedsto determine the average particle exit speed of the particles at theparticle exit section. As such, the controller may account for varianceamong the particle exit speeds of multiple particles at the releasepoint to reduce excessive control actions (e.g., adjustments to the beltspeed of the particle belt).

At block 428, a determination of whether a difference between theparticle exit speed and the target particle exit speed exceeds athreshold value is made (e.g., by the controller). Additionally, adetermination of whether the particle exit speed is less than or greaterthan the target particle exit speed is made (e.g., by the controller).The threshold value may be determined based on the type of theparticles, the ground speed of the row unit, and/or other factors. Inresponse to the difference exceeding the threshold, the process 420proceeds to block 430. In response to the difference not exceeding thethreshold, the process 420 returns to block 426 and receives the nextinput signal indicative of the particle exit speed.

At block 430, in response to the difference between the particle exitspeed and the target particle exit speed exceeding the threshold value,an output signal indicative of instructions to adjust the belt speed ofthe particle belt is output to the motor coupled to the wheel configuredto drive rotation of the particle belt. For example, the controller mayoutput the output signal indicative of instructions to increase the beltspeed of the particle belt based on a determination that the particleexit speed is less than the target particle exit speed and thedifference between the particle exit speed and the target particle exitspeed exceeds the threshold value. Further, the controller may outputthe output signal indicative of instructions to decrease the belt speedof the particle belt based on a determination that the particle exitspeed is greater than the target particle exit speed and the differencebetween the particle exit speed and the target particle exit speedexceeds the threshold value.

After completing block 430, the process 420 returns to block 426 andreceives the next input signal indicative of the particle exit speed ofthe particle at the particle exit section of the particle belt. The nextdetermination is made of whether the difference between the particleexit speed and the target particle exit speed exceeds the thresholdvalue (e.g., block 428), and the belt speed of the particle belt isadjusted in response to the determination. As such, blocks 426-430 ofthe process 420 may be iteratively performed (e.g., by the controller ofthe particle delivery system and/or by another suitable controller) tofacilitate acceleration of the particles to the target particle exitspeed. In some embodiments, certain blocks of the blocks 422-430 may beomitted from the process 420, and/or the order of the blocks 422-430 maybe different.

Embodiments of a particle delivery system described herein mayfacilitate deposition of particles into a trench in soil. The particledelivery system may be configured to accelerate the particles downwardlytoward and along the trench and to provide particular spacings betweenthe particles along the trench. For example, the particle deliverysystem may include a first particle disc configured to meter individualparticles, thereby establishing a particular spacing between particles.The first particle disc may be configured to release the particles froma release point of the first particle disc. A second particle disc maybe configured to receive the particles from the first particle disc atan engagement point of the second particle disc. The second particledisc may be configured to transport the particles from the engagementpoint toward a release point of the second particle disc. At the releasepoint of the second particle disc, the second particle disc may beconfigured to deliver and/or propel the particles into the trench in thesoil. For example, the second particle disc may accelerate the particlesto a speed greater than a speed resulting from gravitationalacceleration alone. Additionally, the second particle disc mayaccelerate the particles such that the particle delivery system reducesthe relative ground speed of the particles. As such, the second particledisc may enable the row unit to travel faster than traditional row unitsthat utilize seed tubes, which rely on gravity to accelerate theparticles (e.g., seeds) for delivery to soil. For example, the particledelivery system may achieve higher application rates of the particlescompared to traditional row units, thereby enabling the row unit havingthe particle delivery system to travel faster than traditional rowunits.

In certain embodiments, the particle delivery system may include aparticle belt in addition to the first particle disc and the secondparticle disc. For example, the particle belt may be configured toreceive the particles from the second particle disc at a particleengagement section of the particle belt. The particle belt may beconfigured to transport the particles from the particle engagementsection toward a particle exit section of the particle belt. At theparticle exit section, the particle belt may be configured to deliverand/or propel the particles into the trench in the soil. For example,the particle belt may accelerate the particles to a speed greater than aspeed resulting from gravitational acceleration alone. Additionally, theparticle belt may accelerate the particles such that the particledelivery system reduces the relative ground speed of the particles.Further, the particle belt may rotate faster than the second particledisc, such that the second particle disc and the particle beltprogressively accelerate the particles. As such, the particle belt mayenable the row unit to travel faster than traditional row units thatutilize seed tubes, which rely on gravity to accelerate the particles(e.g., seeds) for delivery to soil. For example, the particle deliverysystem may achieve higher application rates of the particles compared totraditional row units, thereby enabling the row unit having the particledelivery system to travel faster than traditional row units.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and appliedto material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature thatdemonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are notabstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claimsappended to the end of this specification contain one or more elementsdesignated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for[perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements areto be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claimscontaining elements designated in any other manner, it is intended thatsuch elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A particle delivery system of anagricultural row unit, comprising: a first particle disc configured tometer a plurality of particles from a particle storage area, wherein thefirst particle disc comprises one or more first apertures; a secondparticle disc configured to receive each particle of the plurality ofparticles from the first particle disc and to transfer the particletoward a trench in soil, wherein the second particle disc comprises oneor more second apertures; and at least one vacuum source in fluidcommunication with a first vacuum passage positioned adjacent to thefirst particle disc and with a second vacuum passage positioned adjacentto the second particle disc, wherein the at least one vacuum source isconfigured to reduce air pressure within the first vacuum passage tocouple a particle of the plurality of particles to a first respectiveaperture of the one or more first apertures while the first respectiveaperture is aligned with the first vacuum passage, the at least onevacuum source is configured to reduce air pressure within the secondvacuum passage to couple the particle to a second respective aperture ofthe one or more second apertures while the second respective aperture isaligned within the second vacuum passage, a rotation rate of the firstparticle disc is controllable to establish a particle spacing betweenthe plurality of particles within the trench, and a rotation rate of thesecond particle disc is controllable to expel each particle of theplurality of particles at a particle exit speed.
 2. The particledelivery system of claim 1, comprising a controller having a memory anda processor, a first motor configured to drive the first particle discto rotate, and a second motor configured to drive the second particledisc to rotate, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to thefirst motor and the second motor, the controller is configured tocontrol the rotation rate of the first particle disc by outputting afirst output signal to the first motor, and the controller is configuredto control the rotation rate of the second particle disc by outputting asecond output signal to the second motor.
 3. The particle deliverysystem of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine atarget particle exit speed based on a type of the plurality ofparticles, a ground speed of the agricultural row unit, or both.
 4. Theparticle delivery system of claim 3, wherein the controller isconfigured to receive an input signal indicative of the particle exitspeed of one particle of the plurality of particles and to output thesecond output signal indicative of instructions to adjust the rotationrate of the second particle disc based on the particle exit speed. 5.The particle delivery system of claim 4, wherein the controller isconfigured to: output the second output signal indicative ofinstructions to increase the rotation rate of the second particle discin response to determining that the particle exit speed is less than thetarget particle exit speed and a difference between the particle exitspeed and the target particle exit speed exceeds a threshold value; andoutput the second output signal indicative of instructions to decreasethe rotation rate of the second particle disc in response to determiningthat the particle exit speed is greater than the target particle exitspeed and the difference between the particle exit speed and the targetparticle exit speed exceeds the threshold value.
 6. The particledelivery system of claim 1, comprising a particle transfer assemblydisposed generally between the first particle disc and the secondparticle disc, wherein the particle transfer assembly is configured tofacilitate transferring the plurality of particles to the secondparticle disc.
 7. The particle delivery system of claim 6, wherein theparticle transfer assembly comprises a particle tube extending betweenthe first particle disc and the second particle disc and configured toguide the plurality of particles from the first particle disc to thesecond particle disc.
 8. The particle delivery system of claim 7,comprising an air flow device configured to output an air flow into theparticle tube to direct the plurality of particles from the firstparticle disc and into the particle tube.
 9. The particle deliverysystem of claim 6, wherein the particle transfer assembly comprises atleast one guide wheel configured to rotate to accelerate the pluralityof particles toward the second particle disc.
 10. The particle deliverysystem of claim 1, comprising an air flow device configured to output anair flow to accelerate the plurality of particles from the firstparticle disc toward the second particle disc.
 11. The particle deliverysystem of claim 1, comprising a first disc housing, wherein the firstparticle disc is disposed and configured to rotate within the first dischousing, and the particle storage area is formed within the first dischousing.
 12. A particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit,comprising: a first particle disc configured to meter a plurality ofparticles from a particle storage area, wherein the first particle disccomprises one or more first apertures; a second particle disc configuredto receive each particle of the plurality of particles from the firstparticle disc and to transfer the particle toward a trench in soil,wherein the second particle disc comprises one or more second apertures;at least one vacuum source configured to reduce air pressure adjacent tothe first particle disc to couple a particle of the plurality ofparticles to a first respective aperture of the one or more firstapertures and to reduce air pressure adjacent to second particle disc tocouple the particle to a second respective aperture of the one or moresecond apertures; and a particle transfer assembly disposed generallybetween the first particle disc and the second particle disc, whereinthe particle transfer assembly is configured to facilitate transferringthe plurality of particles to the second particle disc, the firstparticle disc is configured to establish a particle spacing between theplurality of particles based on a rotation rate of the first particledisc, and the second particle disc is configured to expel the pluralityof particles at a particle exit speed based on a rotation rate of thesecond particle disc.
 13. The particle delivery system of claim 12,wherein the particle transfer assembly comprises at least one guidewheel configured to rotate to accelerate the plurality of particlestoward the second particle disc.
 14. The particle delivery system ofclaim 13, comprising a controller having a memory and a processor, and amotor configured to drive the at least one guide wheel to rotate,wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the motor, and thecontroller is configured to control the rotation rate of the at leastone guide wheel by outputting an output signal to the motor.
 15. Theparticle delivery system of claim 14, wherein the controller isconfigured to receive an input signal indicative of a particle transferspeed of one particle of the plurality of particles at the secondparticle disc and to output the output signal indicative of instructionsto adjust the rotation rate of the at least one guide wheel of theparticle transfer assembly based on the particle transfer speed, suchthat the particle transfer speed reaches a target particle transferspeed.
 16. The particle delivery system of claim 15, wherein thecontroller is configured to: output the output signal indicative ofinstructions to increase the rotation rate of the at least one guidewheel in response to determining that the particle transfer speed isless than the target particle transfer speed and a difference betweenthe particle transfer speed and the target particle transfer speedexceeds a threshold value; and output the output signal indicative ofinstructions to decrease the rotation rate of the at least one guidewheel in response to determining that the particle transfer speed isgreater than the target particle transfer speed and the differencebetween the particle transfer speed and the target particle transferspeed exceeds the threshold value.
 17. A particle delivery system of anagricultural row unit, comprising: a first particle disc configured tometer a plurality of particles from a particle storage area, wherein thefirst particle disc comprises one or more first apertures; a secondparticle disc configured to receive each particle of the plurality ofparticles from the first particle disc and to transfer the particletoward a trench in soil, wherein the second particle disc comprises oneor more second apertures; at least one vacuum source in fluidcommunication with a first vacuum passage positioned adjacent to thefirst particle disc and with a second vacuum passage positioned adjacentto the second particle disc, wherein the at least one vacuum source isconfigured to reduce air pressure within the first vacuum passage tocouple a particle of the plurality of particles to a first respectiveaperture of the one or more first apertures while the first respectiveaperture is aligned with the first vacuum passage, the at least onevacuum source is configured to reduce air pressure within the secondvacuum passage to couple the particle to a second respective aperture ofthe one or more second apertures while the second respective aperture isaligned within the second vacuum passage, a rotation rate of the firstparticle disc is controllable to establish a particle spacing betweenthe plurality of particles within the trench, and a rotation rate of thesecond particle disc is controllable to expel each particle of theplurality of particles at a particle exit speed; a particle transferassembly disposed generally between the first particle disc and thesecond particle disc, wherein the particle transfer assembly isconfigured to facilitate transferring the plurality of particles to thesecond particle disc; a first motor configured to drive the firstparticle disc to rotate; a second motor configured to drive the secondparticle disc to rotate; and a controller comprising a memory and aprocessor, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to thefirst motor and the second motor, and the controller is configured tocontrol the rotation rate of the first particle disc by outputting afirst output signal to the first motor, and the controller is configuredto control the rotation rate of the second particle disc by outputting asecond output signal to the second motor.
 18. The particle deliverysystem of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to determine atarget particle exit speed based on a type of the plurality ofparticles, as a target percentage of a ground speed of the agriculturalrow unit, or both.
 19. The particle delivery system of claim 18, whereinthe controller is configured to receive an input signal indicative ofthe particle exit speed of one or more particle of the plurality ofparticles and to output the second output signal indicative ofinstructions to adjust the rotation rate of the second particle discbased on the particle exit speed, such that the particle exit speedreaches the target particle exit speed.
 20. The particle delivery systemof claim 17, wherein the particle transfer assembly comprises a particletube extending between the first particle disc and the second particledisc and configured to guide the plurality of particles from the firstparticle disc to the second particle disc.